Detailed Notes
Jogighopa Multimodal Logistics Park: India's Gateway to South-East Asia
The Jogighopa MMLP is being developed with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) backed by ADB will execute the project in two phases. Phase I involves an investment of approximately Rs155.46 crore, while Phase II will require around Rs115.88 crore.
Key Infrastructure Components
The logistics park will include:
-
Railway sidings
-
Container terminals
-
Warehousing facilities
-
Non-cargo processing zones
-
Truck terminals
-
Common facilities
-
Support infrastructure and equipment
Under this project, all four modes of transportation—road, rail, air and waterways—will be integrated, making Jogighopa a strategic trade hub.
Strategic Importance
The project gains additional significance due to recent developments such as:
-
The announcement of the Northeast Economic Corridor under the Bharatmala programme
-
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bangladesh to develop the Dalu-Tura-Goalpara-Gelephu multimodal trade route
These initiatives strengthen Jogighopa's position as a major logistics center connecting mainland India with South-East Asia.
Currently, transit corridors from mainland India to the North-East pass through the narrow Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the Chicken's Neck, a geographically constrained strip between Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Since this route has limited expansion potential, an alternative connectivity solution is required. The Indo-Bangladesh road route combined with National Waterways-2 offers that alternative, enhancing trade access and reducing logistical bottlenecks.
Freight and Trade Growth Projections
According to draft reports on the Jogighopa MMLP:
-
Freight demand is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.93 percent, increasing from 11.96 million metric tonnes in FY17 to 33.74 million metric tonnes by FY35
-
The container market is expected to grow from 4,808 TEUs in FY17 to 7,925 TEUs by FY35, reflecting a CAGR of 2.82 percent
This growth aligns with rising trade activities in the region. Neighboring Bangladesh is developing major economic corridors such as:
-
Khulna-Dhaka-Sylhet Economic Corridor
-
Banglabandha-Dhaka-Chittagong-Cox's Bazar Economic Corridor
These developments are expected to boost freight movement and facilitate trade between India and Bangladesh, and between Bangladesh and Bhutan through India.
National Logistics Push and Global Ranking
The Jogighopa project is one of the key focus areas of Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The ministry has shortlisted 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks across India, with four being developed in collaboration with ADB.
India has recently prioritized the logistics sector by granting it infrastructure status, encouraging large-scale investments. According to the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, India improved its ranking from 54 in 2014 to 35 in 2016, reflecting significant progress in logistics efficiency.
Political and Economic Significance
The project aligns with India's sustained Act East policy, aimed at strengthening ties with ASEAN nations and enhancing trade connectivity. The North-East holds major political importance, with its eight states collectively contributing 25 Lok Sabha seats.
Stakeholders have welcomed the initiative. Industry leaders believe stronger connectivity between the North-East and ASEAN markets will stimulate economic growth, industrial development and cross-border trade.
With integrated infrastructure, international connectivity, and strong policy backing, Jogighopa is poised to emerge as a critical logistics and trade gateway linking India with South-East Asia.